Telescopic multi-mast system

ABSTRACT

A telescopic multi-mast system includes a plurality of telescopic masts, each of the telescopic masts having a plurality of telescopic mast sections. The telescopic multi-mast system also includes a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic masts. The telescopic, multi-mast system further includes a plurality of stabilisers disposed over the telescopic masts and connected to the mast sections of the telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection of the telescopic masts.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to masts and, more specifically, to a telescopic multi-mast system.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is known to provide a telescopic single mast to raise or lower an object such as a communication device, e.g., a surveillance camera. Typically, the telescopic single mast includes a plurality of tubular mast sections that may be raised by air or cable power. In the air powered telescopic mast, air is supplied from a source to a pneumatic cylinder that raises the mast sections and when the air is discontinued to the pneumatic cylinder, gravity allows the mast sections to be lowered. In the cable powered telescopic mast, a winch and pulley is used with a cable to raise the mast sections and gravity allows the mast sections to be lowered.

During operation of the telescopic single mast, when the object is elevated, wind may cause bending or angular deflection of the mast. Such angular deflection of the mast can cause instability of the elevated object such as an aiming and measurement system that relies on multi-axis positioning to a fixed coordinate system. Further, the telescopic single mast cannot support heavy loads and can only support a low capacity load due to the small piston of the pneumatic cylinder. In addition, the telescopic single mast may have both lateral and angular deflection due to the load on the mast.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that supports a relatively high capacity load. It is also desirable to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that cancels angular deflection and resists lateral deflection due to a relatively high capacity load. It is further desirable to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that is powered or driven to be raised and lowered relatively quickly. Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that meets at least one of these desires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a new telescopic multi-mast systems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that can support relatively high capacity loads.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a telescopic multi-mast system that cancels angular deflection of an elevated object.

To achieve one or more of the foregoing objects, the present invention is a telescopic multi-mast system. The telescopic multi-mast system includes a plurality of telescopic masts. Each of the telescopic masts has a plurality of telescopic mast sections. The telescopic multi-mast system also includes a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic masts. The telescopic multi-mast system further includes a plurality of stabilisers disposed over the telescopic masts and connected to the mast sections of the telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection of the telescopic masts.

One advantage of the present invention is that a new telescopic multi-mast system is provided to raise and lower an object such as a communication device. Another advantage of the present invention is that the telescopic multi-mast system has a plurality of masts to support relatively high capacity loads. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the telescopic multi-mast system has a plurality of stabilisers disposed over the telescopic masts and connected to the mast sections of the telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection and resist or prevent lateral deflection of the telescopic masts. Still another advantage of the present invention is that the telescopic multi-mast system greatly increases the stability of an aiming and measurement system that relies on multi axis positioning to a fixed coordinate system.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading the subsequent description taken in coed unction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic multi-mast system, according to the present invention, illustrated in a retracted position.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the telescopic multi-mast system of FIG. 1 illustrated in an extended position.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 without a drive mechanism illustrated.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the telescopic multi-mast system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the telescopic multi-mast system or FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the telescopic multi-mast system of FIG. 2

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a portion of the telescopic multi-mast system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a telescopic multi-mast system 10, according to the present invention, is shown for raising and lowering an object, generally indicated at 12, such as a platform device. The telescopic multi-mast system 10 is supported by a support surface such as ground or in a vehicle (not shown) such as a military vehicle. It should be appreciated that the telescopic multi-mast system 10 is used to quickly raise and lower the object 12. It should also be appreciated that the object 12 may be camera equipment, aiming and positioning system, signage, material handling/manufacturing workstation, surveillance equipment, maintenance platform, personnel platform, etc,

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the telescopic multi-mast system 10 includes a mounting mechanism, generally indicated at 13, for rigidly mounting the system 10 to the support surface. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 13 may include a base 14 such as a plate. The base 14 is generally planar and made of a metal material. The base 14 includes a plurality of apertures 15 extending therethrough. The base 14 is secured to the support surface by a suitable mechanism such as fasteners (not shown) extending through the apertures 15. It should be appreciated that, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mounting mechanism 13 allows the system 10 to be free-standing.

The telescopic multi-mast system 10 also includes a plurality of telescopic masts, generally indicated at 18, supported by the mounting mechanism 13. In the embodiment illustrated, the telescopic multi-mast system 10 includes three telescopic masts 18. Each mast 18 includes a plurality of telescopic mast sections 20. The mast sections 20 are generally tubular and tapered. In the embodiment illustrated, the mast sections 20 have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The mast sections 20 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or a composite material.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first mast section 20 of each mast 18 rests upon the base 14 and the other mast sections 20 of each mast 18 are disposed inside of one another such that they are telescopic. The mounting mechanism 13 may also include at least one, preferably a pair of gussets or brackets 21 to support each mast 18 in an upright position and generally perpendicular to the base 14. It should also be appreciated that other mounting mechanisms may be used to rigidly mount the first mast section 20 of each mast 18 to the base 14, for example, such as by brackets.

The telescopic multi-mast system 10 also includes a drive mechanism, generally indicated at 36, to raise and lower each mast 18. The drive mechanism 36 includes at least one articulated column or rigid chain (not shown). The rigid chain is commercially available from Serapid Inc. in Sterling Heights, Mich. It should be appreciated that the rigid chain has links to interlock together and form,a rigid column, during forward thrust and the inner edges of the rigid chain are bendable during retraction to allow it to coil up. It should also be appreciated that the rigid chain is conventional and known in the art. It should further be appreciated that the telescopic multi-mast system 10 may use one rigid chain per telescopic mast 18.

The drive mechanism 36 also includes at least one motor 38 connected to a transfer box 40 to drive the rigid chains. The motor 38 is connected to a source of electrical power (not shown). The motor 38 may be a gear motor with a brake. The drive mechanism 36 further includes limit switches (not shown) to limit the extension and retraction of the rigid chains. The drive mechanism 36 may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/728,312, filed. Mar. 22, 2010, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. It should be appreciated that the motor 38 rotates an internal shaft that cooperates with the transfer box 40 to rotate at least one shaft (not shown) for at least one driving pinion (not shown) to drive the rigid chains. It should also be appreciated that the rotary direction of the motor 38 may be reversed to cause extension or retraction of the rigid chain. It should further be appreciated that the drive mechanism 36 may be of another suitable type such as a telescopic lead screw to raise and lower the masts 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the telescopic multi-mast system 10 also includes a plurality of stabilizers 42 at the top of each of the meat sections 20 for resisting or preventing lateral deflection of the telescopic masts 18. The stabilisers 42 are generally planar plates having a central aperture 44 extending therethrough. The stabilizers 42 also have a plurality of mast apertures 46 spaced from the central aperture 44 and extending therethrough to receive the telescopic masts 18. In the embodiment illustrated, each stabiliser 42 has three mast apertures 46 extending therethrough and corresponding to the three telescopic masts 18. The stabilizers 42 are made of a metal material such as steel. It should be appreciated that the uppermost stabilizer 42 may not include the central aperture 44 or the mast apertures 46.

The telescopic multi-mast system 10 further includes a fastening mechanism, generally indicated at 48, for attaching the stabilisers 42 to the top of the mast sections 20. In the embodiment illustrated, the fastening mechanism 48 includes at least one, preferably a plurality of screws 50 extending through fastening apertures in the stabilisers 42 and engaging a wall of the mast section 20 as illustrated in FIG. 8. In the embodiment illustrated, the fastening mechanism 48 includes four screws 40 per mast section 20. It should be appreciated that the fastening mechanism 48 may by another suitable type of fasteners such as rivets. It should also be appreciated that the stabilisers 42 cancel angular deflection and resist lateral deflection of the telescopic masts 18.

The telescopic mast system 10 may include a mounting support (not shown) for mounting the object 12. The mounting support is secured to the top of the last mast section 20 by a suitable mechanism such as welding. It should be appreciated that the mounting support may have any suitable configuration for mounting the object 12.

Referring to FIG. 1, the telescopic mast system 10 is in a retracted position. When the motor 38 is activated, the rotary movement of the motor 38 is transmitted to the transfer box 40, which rotates the shaft(s) and driving pinion(s). Rotation of the driving pinion will move and extend the rigid chain(s). Since the stabilisers 42 orientate and hold the mast sections 20 together, the extension of the rigid chain(s) will push against the last mast sections 20 and cause the last mast sections 20 to move upwardly. Since the mast sections 20 are telescopic, the movement of the last mast section 20 will cause the other mast sections 20 (except the first mast section 20) to be moved and extended upwardly until the masts 18 are raised in a raised or extended position as illustrated in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that the first mast section 20 does not move. It should also be appreciated that the rotary motion of the motor 38 stops due to the limit switches to extend the masts 18 to a desired position.

When it is desired to retract the mast 18, the motor 38 is reversed to rotate the shaft(s) and driving pinion(s) in the opposite direction to retract the rigid chain(s). The rigid chain(s) pulls on the last mast section 20 downwardly to retract each mast section 20. As this occurs, the rigid chain moves and is disposed into a chain magazine (not shown). It should be appreciated that the rotary motion of the motor 38 stops due to the limit switch to retract the masts 18 to the desired posit ion.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope or the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A telescopic multi-mast system comprising: a plurality of telescopic masts, each of said telescopic masts comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections; a drive mechanism for extending end retracting said telescopic masts; and a plurality of stabilisers disposed over said telescopic masts and connected to said mast sections of said telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection of said telescopic masts.
 2. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of said stabilisers is disposed at a top of one of said telescopic mast sections.
 3. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said stabilisers include a plurality of apertures to allow said telescopic mouses to extend therethrough.
 4. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of fasteners to fasten said stabilisers to said telescopic masts.
 5. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fasteners comprise screws to fasten said stabilizers to said mast sections of said telescopic masts near an upper portion thereof.
 6. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said screws extend through said stabilisers and threadably engage a wail of said mast sections.
 7. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stabilisers are generally planar plates.
 8. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said plates have a central aperture and a plurality of mast apertures spaced from said central aperture to receive said telescopic masts.
 9. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said plates are orientated generally perpendicular to said telescopic masts.
 10. A telescopic multi-mast system comprising: a plurality of telescopic masts, each of said telescopic masts comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections; a mounting mechanism to rigidly attach a first one of safe telescopic mast sections of each of said telescopic masts to a support surface; a drive mechanism for extending and retracting said telescopic mast sections of each of said telescopic masts; and a plurality of stabilizers disposed over said telescopic masts and connected to said what sections of said telescopic masts to cancel angular deflection and resist lateral deflection or said telescopic masts.
 11. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 10 wherein one of said stabilisers is disposed at a top of one of said telescopic mast sections.
 12. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said stabilizers include a plurality of apertures to allow said telescopic masts to extend therethrough.
 13. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 10 including a plurality of fasteners to fasten said stabilisers to said telescopic masts.
 14. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said fasteners comprise screws to fasten said stabilizers to said mast sections near an upper portion thereof.
 15. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said stabilizers are generally planar plates.
 16. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said plates have a central aperture and a plurality of mast apertures spaced from said central aperture to receive said telescopic masts.
 17. A telescopic multi-mast system comprising; a plurality of telescopic masts, each of said telescopic masts comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections; a plurality of stabilizers, one of said stabilisers at a top of one of said telescopic mast sections, wherein each of said stabilizers includes a plurality of apertures to allow said telescopic masts to extend therethrough; and a plurality of fasteners to fasten said stabilizers to said telescopic masts.
 18. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 17 wherein said fasteners comprise screws to fasten said stabilisers to said mast sections near an upper portion thereof.
 19. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said mast sections are made of aluminum.
 20. A telescopic multi-mast system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said stabilizers are made of steel. 